Truck drivers are being trained in anti-terrorism measures to stop jihadis hijacking their vehicles for mass attacks in the UK.

Government spies have been working with the Road Haulage Association to improve security measures, as revealed by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee’s annual report.

It comes after a wave of vehicle attacks across Europe including atrocities in Berlin[2], Barcelona and Stockholm.

Government spies have been assisting UK truck drivers with anti-terror security measures to prevent attacks similar to Berlin in 2016, pictured

12 people were killed in Berlin last December and the Road Haulage Association is passing on information to its members from counter-terror agencies to keep drivers and their vehicles safe

The report said the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure had been working with the Road Haulage Association on ‘a number of temporary and permanent measures designed to stop a truck such as the one used in the Nice attack’.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the committee UK Government buildings and other ‘high-risk’ public sites were protected against vehicle attacks but that there were concerns around private land.

She said: [It is important] we really lean into the private sector to make sure they can have the right tools and the right training, where necessary.’

The RHA confirmed it was working with the Government and said it was passing on all ‘relevant’ information to members.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: ‘The RHA works closely with the Home Office, intelligence gathering and passing on relevant information to its members.

There have been a wave of vehicle-based terror attacks across Europe, including in Nice, pictured, where 86 people were killed

‘We urge our members and their drivers to be vigilant – in terms of themselves, their loads and their trucks.

‘In these times of heightened security vigilance is more important than ever – even simple precautionary measures can make a difference.

‘Without exception, never leave your keys unattended, lock your cab every time you leave it and be careful who you talk to when out on the road; truckstops or cafes for example.’

170-STRONG SECURITY TEAM ADVISING ON TERROR ATTACKS

The Government Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism has been working with the police and Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre to identify at-risk public places since 2012.

They include tourist attractions, stadiums, shopping centres and other crowded places likely to be targeted for attacks.

The committee report said all places identified as priorities have been offered ‘bespoke security advice’.

It is provided by a national network of around 170 police counter terrorism security advisers.